November 20, 2024
Sun Home Sauna Blanket Review – Compact Heated Blanket For At-Home Wellness
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We tried the Sun Home Sauna Blanket, the newest heated infrared blanket to healing bodies
Sun Home Sauna Blanket Review
Welcome to our Sun Home Sauna Blanket Review. An infrared sauna blanket is now an at-home recovery tool for the masses. We’ve tested the Sun Home Sauna infrared sauna blanket for a handful of sweaty recovery sessions and rate the blanket highly against other sauna blankets for sale online in 2022.
Sauna blankets are a budget alternative to full sized saunas and still allow users the all of the science based benefits of a sauna. The compact nature of an infrared sauna blanket, make them perfect for small spaces and for travel.
After reviewing a handful of sauna blankets available for sale now, we are well aware of what makes a good sauna blanket. In this review, we show what Sun Home Sauna brings to the sauna blanket space and indeed the wellness scene.
Who are Sun Home Sauna?
Sun Home Sauna are a team of biohackers and wellness enthusiasts that have a passion for seeking new and improved ways to hack physical and mental wellbeing and boost athletic performance.
The founders of Sun Home Sauna discovered the powerful benefits of heat, light and cold therapy for improving recovery from exercise and getting over injury and took their own deep dive into how they could use these practices in their own lives. They took that passion and research and have been producing wellness and recovery tools like infrared saunas, sauna blankets, ice bath tubs and red light therapy devices.
Through innovation and science, the ethos of Sun Home Sauna is to take these once alternative health practices and make them accessible to the average home user.
What is an Infrared Sauna Blanket?
How an infrared sauna blanket works
You might be familiar with infrared saunas already and an infrared sauna blanket operates on much the same principles. An infrared sauna blanket uses infrared light waves, generated by coils of panels curved throughout the infrared blanket, to heat up the body while it is encased in the blanket like a sleeping bag with the head poking out the top
Infrared falls in the spectrum of light, which makes it a very safe form of heated therapy, although are still some risks associated with using an infrared sauna blanket which we will touch on later. The infrared energy has a thermal effect on your body and can penetrate deep into the body beyond the layers of the skin and affect health at the cellular level.
The infrared sauna blanket is wrapped around the body using Velcro and the infrared light emitted from the infrared panels covers the body and provides 360 degree heating and treatment, much like a full sized infrared sauna.
A sauna blanket is plugged into a standard wall socket and can be operated using a control module that allows you to adjust the temperature and session time of the sauna blanket to your individual preference. Most sauna blankets range in maximum operating temperature from about 60C-80C and allow you to set session times up to 60 minutes long.
All of the physiological benefits that occur in a sauna, are achieved using an infrared sauna blanket. The heat from the infrared waves produces sweat which allows faster removal of toxins from the body, increased heart rate and vasodilation allows for more blood flow to repair muscles and release of chemical like norepinephrine and adrenaline from heat stress provide an adaptive response to the body, reduce recovery time, improve heat acclimation, and contribute to a positive mood.
Sun Home Sauna Blanket Review 2022
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Sauna Infrared Sauna Blanket is the only sauna blanket that comes in a couple of fun color choices, adding a touch of personal style to your wellness routine. Most sauna blankets on the market typically offer limited color options, often sticking to neutral tones. By providing vibrant and appealing color choices, Sun Home allows users to select a blanket that aligns with their personality and aesthetic preferences, making the sauna experience more enjoyable and personalized.
In addition to its unique color options, the Sun Home Sauna Blanket features a well-designed control panel unit. This intuitive interface allows users to easily adjust the temperature and session duration, ensuring a customized and comfortable experience. The user-friendly controls are particularly beneficial for individuals new to infrared sauna therapy, as they simplify the process of setting up and managing sessions. The thoughtful design of the control panel reflects Sun Home’s commitment to creating accessible and hassle-free wellness products.
Another significant advantage of the Sun Home Sauna Blanket is its slightly lower price point compared to many other comparable sauna blankets on the market. Despite its premium features and high-quality construction, Sun Home has managed to offer this product at a more affordable price, making infrared sauna therapy more accessible to a broader audience. This affordability does not compromise the quality or performance of the blanket, which still delivers the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat efficiently and effectively.
The combination of fun color choices, an intuitive control panel, and a competitive price point makes the Sun Home Sauna Infrared Sauna Blanket an attractive option for those looking to enhance their wellness routine. It stands out in a crowded market by offering features that cater to both aesthetics and functionality, all while maintaining affordability. This approach aligns with Sun Home’s mission to provide high-quality wellness solutions that are both effective and enjoyable to use.
Moreover, the slightly lower price point makes it easier for more people to invest in their health without breaking the bank. Infrared sauna therapy has numerous benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, and relaxation. By offering a more affordable product, Sun Home helps more individuals experience these benefits and incorporate infrared sauna sessions into their regular wellness practices.
Sauna Blanket Price
The Sun Home Sauna Blanket price is a win at $499USD. You can also use our code GURU for a further $75 off this price at checkout.
What does the price include? When you buy the Sun Home Sauna Blanket for $424 using our code, the sauna blanket will be shipped within 2 weeks inside the US (noting this sauna blanket ca not be used in Australia), and includes the blanket, the control unit and the sauna blanket carry bag.
Sauna Blanket Temperature
The Sun Home Sauna blanket operates between 35C-75C and allows a session time of between 30 – 60 minutes long. Most sauna blankets operate in a similar range although we noticed the Sun Home Sauna blanket was able to heat up a fraction faster than all of the other sauna blankets, reaching maximum temperature in about 5 minutes.
The Sun Home Sauna blanket controls allow you to easily adjust the temperature throughout the entirety of your session and can be adjusted to the degree, which a lot of other sauna blankets do not offer. If you are new to saunas and heat therapy, I would highly recommend starting your first sauna blanket session at 50 degrees for 15-20 minutes to figure out your baseline tolerance of infrared saunas and then adjust your heat levels as desired.
To be honest, 60 minutes at the maximum temperature of the Sun Home Sauna Blanket (75C) with arms tucked inside the sauna blanket will produce a lot of heat stress and a large amount of sweat. You can scale back the temperature if you need or you can also place your arms outside the blanket to make it more bearable, keeping in mind that we have some crucial thermostats located on the palms of our hands that will mean you will definitely sweat less with arms out.
The Sun Home Sauna Blanket seems to hold the heat generated by the infrared coils quite well inside the blanket, which we have noticed is a negative of some other sauna blankets like the Heat Healer which seems to lose heat easily. This feature shows that the Sun Home Sauna blanket velcro is well designed and the layered material holds in heat well during use.
If your sauna blanket feels like it is loosing heat, ensure you have limited air flow/breeze in your treatment area that could be sucking the heat away from small gaps in your blanket and double check the velcro patches have even and complete connection between top and bottom.
Sun Home Sauna Blanket Specifications
Heating Zones: 1
Display: 35℃ to 75℃, 30 to 60-minute setting
Control: Temperature (35℃ to 75℃) & Time (30 to 60 minutes)
Voltage:
AC Voltage (USA): 100-120 Volt
AC Voltage (EU/UK): 230 Volt (UK)
AC Voltage 220-240 Volt (EU-non UK)Input Power: 500 Watts
Amperage: 4-5 A at 110 V AC
Timer Settings: 0 to 60 minutes
Electrical Field: Low EMF
Warranty: One-year
Size: 71” (180 cm) x 71” (180 cm) unfolded. Maximum interior circumference when in use is approximately 65” 165 cm.
Sauna Blanket Warranty
The Sun Home Sauna blanket falls short a little on a decent warranty, only offering the standard manufacturer’s warranty of one year on their sauna blanket. For a product that aims to provide wellness and therapeutic benefits, a longer warranty period could offer greater peace of mind to consumers. When investing in a sauna blanket, customers expect durability and reliability, and a longer warranty period would better reflect the product’s expected lifespan and quality. A couple of other sauna blanket options are offering at least two years warranty, which is a fair expectation for somewhat of a medical device. This longer warranty period not only provides extended protection but also indicates a higher level of confidence from the manufacturer in their product’s performance and durability.
Despite the shorter warranty, Sun Home Sauna does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on their sauna blankets. This trial period is an excellent feature, allowing users to experience the product firsthand without a long-term commitment. If the sauna blanket does not meet their needs or if they feel uncomfortable using it, they can return it for a full refund. This offer is particularly beneficial for first-time users who may be uncertain about their comfort levels with a sauna blanket. Some users have reported feeling claustrophobic and anxious inside a sauna blanket, so the ability to test it out risk-free is a significant advantage. It alleviates the pressure of making an immediate decision and provides the opportunity to assess whether the product fits well into their wellness routine.
The 30-day trial period also demonstrates Sun Home Sauna’s commitment to customer satisfaction. It shows that the company is confident in the quality and benefits of their product, willing to back it up with a money-back guarantee. This policy can be a decisive factor for potential buyers who might be hesitant due to the shorter warranty. Knowing they can return the product if it doesn’t suit them can encourage more people to give it a try, ultimately broadening the customer base and fostering trust in the brand.
However, extending the warranty period could further enhance the overall value proposition of the Sun Home Sauna blanket. By matching or exceeding the warranty periods offered by competitors, Sun Home Sauna could solidify its position in the market as a reliable and customer-focused brand. An extended warranty would not only reassure customers about the product’s longevity but also reflect a deeper commitment to quality and after-sales support. This move could significantly boost customer confidence and loyalty, driving more positive reviews and recommendations.
Sauna Blanket Colours
To be brutally honest, I was getting absolutely bored with the standard black sauna blanket color. The monochrome aesthetic of most sauna blankets on the market can become quite monotonous, especially for those who value a bit of personal flair in their wellness gear. So, the fact that Sun Home Sauna has introduced a sauna blanket to their range of wellness gear that can be bought in Purple and Red color, a Blue Zebra color, or the standard black with a blue striped edge makes it stand out in the now very competitive infrared sauna blanket market. These vibrant and unique color options provide an exciting alternative to the conventional black, allowing users to express their individuality and style even while engaging in their wellness routines.
The introduction of these new colors is more than just a superficial change; it reflects Sun Home Sauna’s understanding of consumer desires for products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Wellness products are often integrated into daily routines, and having an appealing, visually pleasing item can enhance the overall experience. The availability of colors like Purple and Red, and especially the eye-catching Blue Zebra pattern, transforms the sauna blanket from a utilitarian object into a stylish accessory that can complement a variety of home decor styles or personal tastes.
In an increasingly saturated market, differentiating through design and color can significantly influence purchasing decisions. Many users seek products that align with their personal brand or aesthetic, and the ability to choose a sauna blanket that reflects their personality can be a strong selling point. This approach not only appeals to individual consumers but also opens up opportunities for gift-giving, as a uniquely colored sauna blanket can make for a thoughtful and personalized wellness gift.
Furthermore, these color options could potentially attract a younger demographic or those who are new to infrared sauna therapy. Bright, fun colors can make the concept of using a sauna blanket more inviting and less intimidating, encouraging more people to try this beneficial wellness practice. It breaks away from the clinical or overly serious image that some wellness products can project, making it more approachable and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Sun Home Sauna’s decision to offer multiple color options also demonstrates their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By listening to consumer feedback and recognizing the demand for variety, they are able to deliver a product that not only meets functional needs but also delights customers with its visual appeal. This strategy can foster greater brand loyalty and differentiate Sun Home Sauna in a market where many products are otherwise quite similar in terms of features and benefits.
Sun Home Sauna Blanket Alternatives
If you are new to the infrared sauna blanket game, there are quite a few sauna blankets on the market that offer a similar product to the Sun Home Sauna blanket. The main competitors for the Sun Home Sauna brand are Mihigh, Heat Healer and HigherDOSE although there are also several sauna blankets on Amazon for a more budget approach.
We generally compare sauna blankets based on price, max temperature range, heating speed, comfort and material quality, control module design and warranty.
Sun Home Sauna offers a pretty standardised performance metric on their sauna blankets with a max operating temperature of 75C, session time of 60 minutes, low emf rating (although not much available information or proof on this), heating time of 10 minutes and one heating zone. Below we have summarised how the Sun Home Sauna blanket directly compares to the other major sauna blanket players.
Sun Home Sauna vs Heat Healer
A side by side comparison of the Sun Home Sauna blanket vs Heat Healer shows quite a similar product. Heat Healer sauna blankets are relatively new to the market, launching in 2021 in Bondi, Australia, while Sun Home Sauna launched in the USA with a number of other wellness products on their repertoire like red light panels, infrared saunas and traditional saunas.
If we had a gun to our heads to decide between the two, Sun Home Sauna is a superior product and feels like better product based on material quality and design. In our experience using both sauna blankets side by side, the Heat Healer just doesn’t seem to be able to maintain a temperature as hot as the Sun Home Sauna blanket, despite the Heat Healer advertising a higher mx operating temperature of 80C. This points to the Sun Home Sauna blanket having a superior velcro seal and may also be because of the two shoulder flaps at the top of the sauna blanket that allow your shoulders to be covered up and traps more heat in the blanket.
Both sauna blankets have a very similar power unit and allow you to control the session length and temperature in an identical fashion.
What we’ve seen from our research on the blankets is that the Sun Home Sauna generally has a higher reported positive feedback into material quality and design than the Heat Healer sauna blanket. When you feel the material in your hands, the Sun Home Sauna Blanket is obviously made from a thicker, more quality non-toxic and water-proof fabric which makes for a much nicer feel during your sweat.
The main differences between these two sauna blankets can be summarised below:
Sun Home Sauna Price: $499USD
Heat Healer Price: $568USD
Sun Home Sauna Max Temp: 75 degrees C
Heat Healer Max Temp: 80 degrees C (although does not hold this well)
Sun Home Sauna Warranty: 1 year limited warranty 30 day returns
Heat Healer Warranty: 3 year warranty
Sun Home Sauna EMF Rating: Low EMF
Heat Healer EMF Rating: Zero EMF
Sauna Blanket FAQ’s
Can a sauna blanket help with weight loss?
Heat stress causes similar physiological responses to exercise by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, causing vasodilation, and increasing blood flow to allow for more oxygen supply to the muscles. These responses are crucial for enhancing overall cardiovascular health and improving circulation. When the body is subjected to the heat stress of a sauna or sauna blanket, it activates the autonomic nervous system, triggering these physiological changes to maintain homeostasis. The increase in heart rate and breathing rate mimics moderate physical activity, offering cardiovascular benefits even in the absence of physical exercise.
By causing the body to heat up, saunas and sauna blankets force the body to thermoregulate, which produces sweat and burns calories in the process. This thermoregulation process involves the activation of sweat glands and the dilation of blood vessels to dissipate heat, leading to increased energy expenditure. The act of sweating itself requires significant energy, as the body needs to cool down by evaporating sweat from the skin’s surface. This increased metabolic activity contributes to calorie burning and can support weight loss efforts.
This temperature regulation means that sauna blankets can indeed help with weight loss and have been shown to burn up to 600 calories per 60-minute sauna blanket session. This calorie-burning potential is substantial, making sauna blankets a valuable tool for individuals seeking to enhance their weight loss routines. The calorie expenditure during a sauna session is comparable to engaging in moderate-intensity physical activities, providing an alternative for those who may have physical limitations or prefer a less strenuous approach to calorie burning.
The equivalent calorie-burning potential of running approximately 3-4km, depending on your cardiovascular strain and output, or the same calorie output used to walk 5-6km, underscores the effectiveness of sauna blankets in promoting weight loss. This comparison highlights the substantial energy expenditure involved in a sauna blanket session, making it a viable option for those aiming to burn calories efficiently. Additionally, the passive nature of using a sauna blanket can be particularly appealing for individuals with busy schedules or those looking to complement their existing exercise regimen with an additional calorie-burning activity.
What is the best time to do an infrared sauna blanket session?
The best time to use an infrared sauna blanket is within 24 hours of a hard training session, race, competition or exercise stress although it is still beneficial to use sauna blankets outside of your recovery window. Science shows us that taking a sauna or sauna blanket session close to bed time can also help to create a rebound effect with our core body temperature and reduce it enough to encourage a faster transition into sleep.
Taking a sauna blanket session early in the morning within 30 minutes of waking can also be beneficial to produce cortisol which can help to establish a better sleep-wake cycle and trigger important timers for the later release of sleep hormones to benefit sleep even further.
Conclusion on Sun Home Sauna Infrared Blanket
Overall, the Sun Home Sauna Blanket rates highly out of all the infrared sauna blankets we have tested to date. The only issue we have is that, unlike many other infrared sauna blankets, the Sun Home Sauna blanket does not give the option to be purchased globally. In a comparison of performance, the Sun Home Sauna Blanket is a superior infrared blanket in terms of its ability to heat up and hold the desired temperature in the blanket making it a reliable product.
The colour choices are a really nice touch in the Sun Home Sauna blanket range and are a point of difference for the brand for sure. In general, the performance of the Sun Home Sauna Blanket is much the same as many of its counterparts and heats up within about 5-10 minutes, making it a great at-home alternative for heated therapy to an expensive full sized sauna.
Chris Woolley
Chris is a long time adventure racer and full time NSW Firefighter for almost the last decade. His strong interest in pushing his body to its peak and to it’s limit has take him to beast mode across multiple fitness disciplines and lead Chris to place high in uber competitive events like Spartan Beast and the Red Bull Vertical Challenge where Chris climbed about the elevation of Everest in tow days (without the snow of course).Chris has an insatiable appetite for training like an animal and to do so has gained broad knowledge in the most appropriate nutrition, training protocols, hot/cold therapy, sleep and fitness tracking methods and biohacking tools. If you trust anyone for advice, trust Chris!